Buddha Purnima is celebrated during the purnima (full moon day) of the Hindu lunar month of Vaishakha. This day is the birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha. His birth name was Siddhartha. This year, Buddha Purnima falls on Wednesday, 14th May 2014.

Hindus believe that Gautama Buddha is also one of the incarnations of Lord vishnu. Buddha Purnima festival also commemorates the Buddha’s enlightenment and death. Buddha purnima celebrations varies from region to region. People light the oil lamps before the image of the Buddha. flower offerings, meditation, incense and fruit offerings are also the rituals of this festival.